Family Grants

The Family Grant is OPEN and accepting applications for 2018.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.Family Grant Program

Many children with Asperger Syndrome could benefit greatly from services and programs that can incur significant financial expense for the average family. Thanks to the generous support of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. AANE has the pleasure of providing financial assistance for a limited number of families who need a little help paying for these services.

To apply for this program, please complete the online application and be sure to send in the required supporting documents. Applications cannot be considered until all required paperwork is received.

Qualifications for a Grant

You must meet all of the following criteria to apply for a family grant:

Location: You must live in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut.

Diagnosis: Your child must have a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome or a related Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Financial Need: This grant is specifically for low and moderate income families. Priority will be given to families with an income at or under $44,100 (for a family of four), although in special circumstances families with higher income will be considered. There will be a cut off at what the Federal Government considers the top of the moderate income bracket. Please do not apply if your family income exceeds these guidelines:

$29,140 to $32,480 for a family of 2

$36,620 to $40,840 for a family of 3

$44,100 to $49,200 for a family of 4

$51,580 to $57,560 for a family of 5

$59,060 to $65,920 for a family of 6

Grant amounts

Grants will range from $50.00 - $500.00

What you can ask for

You may apply to use the money for anything that directly improves the life of a child with Asperger Syndrome or related diagnosis.

Examples of possible uses of grant money:

Adapted Bicycle

Occupational therapy

Adaptive swimming lessons

Physical therapy

Puzzles and Games

Art classes

Respite Care

Books and videos

Sensory Integration training

Camp Tuition/Aide's Salary

Social skills training

Computer Software

Speech therapy

Sports equipment

Educational evaluation

Therapeutic skating lessons

Horseback-riding lessons

Educational video games

Membership to the YMCA

Vision services

Music classes/instruments

Application Process

To be considered for funds, please supply all of the paperwork listed below. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete. We cannot process your application until we have received all the necessary documentation.

Feel free to explain any unusual or special circumstances regarding your need that may not be evident by completing the application.

If funds are available, the Family Grants Administrator will notify approved applicants and the AANE Business Manager will issue a check to the family or to the service provider indicated on the application.

If applicant wants to change the use of funds after acceptance, you MUST contact the AANE Family Grants Administrator in advance to obtain approval. If an application is rejected, the applicant will receive notification of the reason for the rejection. In that case, families should feel free to reapply if their circumstances change such that they meet the eligibility requirements listed above.

Proof of service or purchase of goods

Families receiving money MUST send receipts or other proof of purchase for the agreed upon goods or services to AANE. This grant will be audited by a CPA and we must have proper documentation! You will be considered for a future grant only if we have received your receipts.

Questions?

Please feel free to call Suzanne Tompkins, the AANE Family Grants Administrator, at 617 393-3824 x41 if you have any questions regarding the application process. We look forward to hearing from you.